Getting Out of My Comfort Zone

Why did you get involved in WRLP/Leadership Wisconsin?
After completing a local leadership program, one of the trainers who works with UW-Extension encouraged me to apply.  I loved the new perspectives I gained from the local program and decided to apply for WRLP.

What did you hope to learn?
I hoped that it would give me a chance to further explore other perspectives and learn about things I would not ordinarily deal with in my job.  I didn’t really know what it would be, but I hoped that each topic would connect with something in my core beliefs and values to inspire me to do more.  I wanted to make new connections with people that would be helpful for me in my future.

What did you find out about yourself that was unexpected?
I learned that once I stepped out of my comfort zone, I could do things I previously thought I couldn’t and that each time I did that, the next step was easier.  As I learned to consider more perspectives on issues I found myself in a state of great learning and some of the issues that were once quite black and white to me suddenly were not only several shades of grey but eventually a full range of colors!  This new view on things helped me to define who I was and what I wanted to do.

How did WRLP change how you relate to others?
I sense that I have more tolerance for people that used to annoy me and have more empathy for various personality types.  With that in mind, I think I have adjusted my communication style with some to match the format with which they are most comfortable.  I now consciously plan different approaches for presentations or meetings based on a variety of learning styles and preferences.  I think this has helped me to connect with people better and foster better working relationships.

What changed you to pursue new professional directions?
Remember the great state of learning I was describing? Part of that for me was to learn to develop and trust my intuition more.  Some might describe that as a spiritual experience, but I would say it was definitely powerful.  As a result I found myself following a voice inside me to learn a new language, one I had no logical reason to learn.  It leads to new discoveries in history, culture, language and so much more.  As a language learner I felt I had perspective that would be helpful for others learning English and decided to become certified to teach English as a second language.  I began to volunteer, and later took a part-time job teaching English locally to immigrants from all over the world.  Four years later when the Executive Director of the Literacy Council retired I decided the time was right to give more energy to that passion and was very pleased to be offered that position.

Why do you think Leadership Wisconsin (WRLP), is still important?
Now more than ever it is important.  These can be difficult times, economically, politically, environmentally, socially, you name it.  People are more stressed and trying to do more with less.  Communities are faced with difficult decisions and new problems and opportunities everyday.  More than ever we are forced to deal with a larger definition of “community,” right up to the global level.  Because of that it is absolutely imperative that we have leaders trained and equipped to interact efficiently and respectably so that together we can avoid serious conflict, because the capacity for violent action in this era makes this a life or death situation for all of us.  While rebuilding bridges, restructuring companies, solving medical crises, and creating social support are all very important; if we fail to invest in our people and build leadership skills our future will most certainly suffer.  Sorry about getting on the soapbox there, but as you can tell I have a strong opinion on this one.

How can the WRLP/Leadership Wisconsin format help emerging leaders chart their new leadership course?
Leadership Wisconsin is a proven tool; it works.  For over 25 years it has been positively impacting communities all over our state.  It strives to stay on top of current issues and provides the necessary tools for each emerging leader to custom build the best plan for his or herself.  Each person’s course will be different and I bet most will be difficult at some point.  Having two years to practice skills, to foster that sense of lifelong learning and to make connections that can provide assistance for the rest of their life equips each emerging leader with the best resources available to plan for their future.

What are the most important leadership issues that you intend to address in your organization that, because of WRLP/Leadership Wisconsin, you can address well?
In order to have a successful organization we must have a strong board and active committees.  We need to share our message with stakeholders and market our services, and in addition constantly convince people of the importance of our work (and funding it).  Experiences with WRLP helped me to invite a variety of leaders to the table, to structure planning processes and marketing efforts, and to be aware of issues outside of our normal realm that could affect our mission.  I am comfortable enough to contact my representatives and to challenge things I feel are inefficient or unfair.  I regularly consult with people from the Leadership Wisconsin program to gain perspectives or learn about resources that I may need to use.  I am ready and eager to connect with leadership in the state or country that can affect the outcome for my program.

What’s a “day in the life” like for you at the Portage Literacy Council?
I love it because it is quite varied.  Today I taught an English and Citizenship class to Hmong elders who want to become US citizens.  They completed projects that included a poster and oral report to the class that described themselves, all in English.  Two years ago some of these folks had never held a pencil; most have never gone to school.  I was so proud of how far they’ve come and shared that with them.  I also reminded them that many people believe in them and have paid for their classes and transportation so that they can learn; and that they expect them to someday give back to our community.  They can have jobs that will provide tax dollars and allow them to be local consumers.  They can take an active part in their community and they can share their stories for all to hear (and they have stories to tell!).  Later I attended a meeting with a local health literacy coalition and we planned upcoming presentations for native-born English people who may find information about prescriptions, talking to their doctor or navigating the health care system to be confusing at times.  After returning to the office I spoke with the Executive Director of Wisconsin Literacy about our rural literacy initiative that brings English classes to non-English workers at farms and plans to create a bigger awareness of literacy issues through a statewide marketing campaign.  My work day will conclude after I process the payroll for our small staff, finish some bookkeeping duties and email a newer board member who just took on the role of chairing one of our committees.